United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Well, I finally got in touch w/Dr. Belzberg. So a year or more of letters, research, working w/Voc. Rehab here in GA. And the financial office at Johns Hopkins told me I needed to send a check for between $5000 and $8000 before I could be seen concerning DREZ procedure. So I faxed and wtrote and asked for just a simple appt. and exam to see about a treatment plan and in 2 months never heard back. So I reckon it's more about how much money you got vs. actual medical need?--You tell me. At one point they asked how much I got in any lawsuit settlement--guess I shoulda said 2 million dollars--instead of telling them it was a hit and run and I got nothing. Well, I had a little hope for a while, but I guess that just goes to show that you're only as healthy as your bank account. I don't know--I'll keep trying to see him, he has to know more than the other 50 Docs I've seen. But man, that just really bummed me out. I have lost all faith in the goodness of humanity. People are out for what they can get, and God is Dead.(Don't send me any preachy em's--I really don't care)
I'm sure Dr. B doesn't have any direct knowledge of this stuff--it's the School & Hospital, not him personally. But I spent A YEAR beleiving I'd finally found help, just to get screwed once again.On the + side, I'm not gonna drink, and I have the comfort of knowing that there's always the Suicide Solution. Ronin

Eric,

Why don't you try to reach Dr. Belzberg directly and let him know of the problems you have had working through the system. Maybe he can do something? He probably has no idea about the difficulties you have been facing.

PLEASE don't do anything rash. You know we are all here for you.

Nancy

I agree with you and Nancy here, Dr. B brobly doesnt know what is going on...... We are here for support, please let us help you where we can......

COurt xx

Don't give up on all of humanity; we aren't all out to do everyone else over.

I think if you can try to reach Dr. B. and talk to him about all that's transpired over the last year, maybe you can work something out directly with him.

Please know we are here and we will help you in any way we can.

Peggy

Eric - I've never heard of anyone having a problem getting in to see Dr. Belzberg. He is the one who did my surgery and his office has always been super cool. Try calling (410) 955 5810 and ask for Jade. That is his personal secretary. If they still give you hell, try Dr. Ostenbach (sp?) at Duke University in Durham North Carolina. He is supposed to be the fore-runner in Drez precedures in this region. Dr B has preformed his share of DREZ ops but the Duke University team has much more experience as far as I know.

Good luck and hang in there. The suicide option is always with me but for what ever reason, I still have some hope. Everyday is a struggle, some more then others and it would be so nice to just be out of pain. It's a big jump to take and there's no turning back. You're a grown man and the decision is yours to make, but what a fu*#ink big jump to take and there are no safety nets.

My advise is to stick with option one and fight to get the help you need. When you run out of options - that's it - that is a perfect definition of death -no options, can't walk, can't talk, can't blink, can't think, can't breathe. At that point, you don't have an option. Right now you do.

LOVE ALWAYS SUSAN

Don't give up. Dr. B works for the university as opposed to the private practice doctors and likely has no idea what is going on with you. He did my DREZ and it has worked super. I would highly recommend you see him at any cost and at least get an evaluation by him.

The problem may be that your insurance company does not participate with John Hopkins That has nothing to do with Dr. B and there is little he can do about it. Go after the right people, the insurance group!!!

I was going crazy with the pain and I think he realy saved me by doing the surgery. You need to remember that there is hope that your pain will get treated and all of us are here to support you while things get worked out

Ronin
I know you have heard this before but "where there is life -- there is HOPE" you have come so far don't give up now. You can protest your insurance not paying for this... you can e-mail Dr.B office and see if they can help... you can come to us for support and just to vent. I know it's rough and I truly feel for you and the frustration at not being able to get immediate help... but we are all here for you keep HOPE alive and you will conqure the pain and the medical insurance difficulty.
Kath (robpi - 65 )

OK, maaaaaybeeee I'm outta the loop, but what is the DREZ procedure?? I definately know how you feel about greedy doctors. I've had some that if you're outta BLING don't bother giving them a ring!! It's a real shame that people like us that need help for the hell we live in every day hafta do without it because some overpaid, overcharging doctor calls the shots. But you hang in there and keep us posted because we ALL care, even if they don't. And always, keep the faith, even though it's hard sometimes!!

Hi Ronin, We just returned from surgery w/Dr Belzberg, and he's very aware that the current scheduling process stinks. Don't lose hope! He's not at all "about the money" but very humble and down to earth. I know Johns Hopkins has an excellent pain management team as well and if you're still having difficulty, email me and I'll put you in contact with his PA who works very closely with Dr B daily. Keep the faith - you're not alone.
Take care,
Lourdes